The International Powered Access Federation, known commonly by its acronym IPAF, provides a wide variety of fully certified courses to promote the safe and effective use of powered access over the world. The IPAF courses will generally mix theory and practical study to cover aspects of accident prevention, emergency operations and the Health And Safety At Work Act of 1974. They are open to both employers and employees.

Here is a quick breakdown of some of the most common IPAF courses, what they involve and what you can expect to take away from them.

IPAF Operator Course

This IPAF course for those who use Scissor Lifts and Cherry Pickers is one of the most popular options. It helps instruct operators about how to use machine categories 3a, 1b and 3b properly and safely. Those taking the course can choose to train for one, two or three different machine categories at a time. Successful candidates, having taken a practical assessment following the theory, will be awarded with an IPAF PAL Card and certificate. This is internationally recognised and will be valid for five years. The course costs between £174 and £276 depending on which route you take and how many machines you decide to train with.

IPAF PAL And Training Course

This is an optional one-day training course specifically geared towards those who are trained operators working in challenging environments such as steelwork, difficult terrain and confined overhead spaces. Those who have a PAL card qualification in one of the relevant IPAF training courses will be able to apply. It is slightly more advanced than the PAL Operator course focussing on difficult practical training alongside a short compact theory session. and interview. Completion of this course will allow you to get categories like Static Boom (1b+), Mobile Boom (3b+) and Mobile Vertical (3a+) added to their existing PAL Card. It costs £300.

IPAF Demonstrator Course

This is one of the most popular IPAF courses & training for people who work on MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) such as Cherry Pickers and Scissor Lifts. Demonstrators can choose to take a 2 machine course for £234 or a 3 machine course for £276. For an additional £45, this can count as 7 hours towards a Driver CPC. The course will familiarise you with the procedures and responsibilities that come with each MEWP.

IPAF MEWPs For Managers

IPAF training & courses also cater towards managers. Particularly, this one-day course that instructs site managers about how to prepare when employees are using MEWPs. Not about the operation of such equipment, this will instead provide advice on planning and overseeing a site that involves those who do. It costs £198 per person.
Other courses that you can take with the International Powered Access Federation include a harness training course related to use and inspection, a load and unload course for transporting machinery safely, and a Push Around Vehicle course that what was previously known as Machine Category 1a vehicles.